Composites 2013 wraps up in Florida

Posted on February 1st, 2013

Composites 2013, a three-day event that featured more than 220 U.S. and international exhibitors representing more than 40 market segments, concluded Thursday at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Hosted by the American Composites Manufacturers Association, the trade show held more than 100 educational sessions and technical presentations covering topics that included automotive, boating, energy, green composites, growth and emerging markets, high-performance applications, infrastructure and corrosion, manufacturing, regulatory and legislative issues, the association said in a statement.

Association president Lori Luchak of Miles Fiberglass and Composites, a company founded at the 1957 Portland Boat Show, gave opening comments.

“ACMA and this industry really are about relationships,” Luchak said at the event. “While I knew this before becoming ACMA’s president, these past two years have really demonstrated that to me. ACMA is focused on bringing value to each of its members. While every member defines that a little differently, a common theme I hear and see is that relationships are critical to gaining that value. It is so important for us to work together, grow the industry and open up markets that will benefit us all.”

Keynote speaker Robert O’Neill, a former member of SEAL Team Six, translated how his elite Navy SEAL training can be used in business — through actionable insights on leadership, decision-making, operating in uncertain environments and how to become the “best of the best,” an ACMA release said.

With “Connecting Forward” as a theme, Composites 2013 held the ribbon-cutting ceremony for its exhibit hall.